Periodontal examination
We will assess the overall health of your teeth and gums by reviewing your medical and dental history, examining radiographs while obtaining various periodontal measurements. We usually require 30 to 60 minutes to complete your assessment. At the conclusion of the examination, treatment options will be presented to you while taking into account your dental needs and long-term goals. Our team will work with your family dentist and hygienists in order to achieve the best possible outcome for your overall dental health.
Some measurements that we perform are :
Pocket depths
These are the spaces between your gums and teeth. Deeper gum (pocket) depths usually equates to a greater destruction of the bone supporting your teeth and increase in plaque (bacteria) accumulation.
Tooth mobility
Tooth mobilities tend to be associated with many factors, mainly bone loss, biting and chewing (occlusion) forces, and/or infection in the tooth nerve.
Gum bleeding
If you notice that your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth, there is a strong possibility that the gums around your teeth are infected, and may lead to the supporting bone loss.
Gum recession
Losing gums that support your teeth and dental implants may be detrimental to longevity of your dentition. Gum recessions tend to be associated with bone loss.
What should I bring to my first periodontal appointment?
- All X-rays (radiographs) given to you by your dentist and/or hygienist, if available.
- All relevant medical history information, including a list of all of your current medications and allergies, and any medical treatment that you have undertaken within the last year.
- All of your dental plan/insurance information.